'Once N95 masks are available, should I wear one?' and other coronavirus questions answered by Wisconsin health experts

Some of our world is opening and quickly. We see the pandemic numbers, but many of us have questions about how we can protect ourselves and others. What can we do to slow the transmission of COVID-19?

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has assembled a panel of experts from the University of Wisconsin's Madison and Milwaukee campuses. They will periodically answer questions from readers.

Please keep in mind scientists and doctors continue to learn much about this new virus, and guidance is changing. They will provide the best information that is available.

This story will update with more answers as we get them. Scroll to the bottom of this story to submit your own question or click here.

My wife and I normally go out on daily extended walks. She says I'm overreacting when I move around others to create the six-foot space. What do you think?

Getting outdoors for exercise with members of the same household can provide a great, safe way to get physical activity. When out in public spaces, maintaining a six-foot distance from others outside your household when possible is still recommended, so taking the initiative to gently move out of the way when passing others while out walking, perhaps while offering a friendly wave hello, remains a good practice to follow.

-- Amanda M. Simanek, associate professor of epidemiology, Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

If I, a 73-year-old, have been carefully self-isolating for a month and so has my son's family, how risky is it for my elementary grandchildren to visit me for a few days from Chicago? Am I crazy to even consider this?

Many people are eager to reunite with grandchildren after months of staying safer at home, so wanting to do this is totally understandable. Given older individuals and those with chronic health conditions are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19, it will remain important for people in these groups to continue to take precautions that lower their risk of exposure to coronavirus when they start to reunite with family members.

As a general rule, socializing in outdoor settings, while maintaining social distancing and wearing cloth masks will be safer than getting together indoors, for prolonged periods and without wearing cloth masks. Other tips that can lower risk of family members transmitting infection to each other include not sharing food, drinks or utensils, using hand sanitizer and avoiding touching one's face when together.

-- Amanda M. Simanek, associate professor of epidemiology, Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Once N95 masks are available, should I (66-year-old with serious health conditions) wear one when outside? And can I use public bathrooms?

The CDC recommends the public wear cloth masks and not use masks meant for health professionals, including N95 masks. Given that you have "significant underlying conditions," it's important that you keep yourself safe and consult your doctor on how best to do that.

It’s safer to avoid public restrooms. If you must use one, be sure you have your mask on when you are inside. If you are not the only occupant, keep six or more feet from others. Avoid touching surfaces including doors, faucet handles, pump soap, etc. If you can wash your hands safely and properly inside the restroom, it’s still a good idea to use alcohol rub to disinfect your hands once you get outside the bathroom. Avoid touching your face unless your hands are clean.

I am in a high-risk category (cancer survivor, 79, autoimmune). I live alone. What precautions do I need to take inside the home other than hand washing. I have groceries delivered.

It sounds like you are doing all the right things to protect yourself from COVID. The only other things are to pay attention to other aspects of your health and wellness. Maintaining a good diet, exercise as you may be able, consult a doctor if you are experiencing any issues that require attention, and maintain social connectedness for your mental health.

First we were told we don’t need masks. I understand this was so health professionals wouldn’t run short. Now we’re told to wear masks, but I’ve read articles that homemade or regular paper masks aren’t effective and can even put you at risk for infection. What are we supposed to believe?

It is frustrating, but to be fair, our understanding of the risks of spreading COVID has evolved greatly week-to-week since the beginning of the pandemic, and we still have so much more to learn. We didn’t fully appreciate that asymptomatically infected people are numerous and can transmit the virus to others. We also never knew until recently that the virus can hang around in the air in an indoor environment after an infected person has simply talked. The CDC recommends the people wear cloth masks in public and continue to maintain physical distancing.

We have heard about surfaces, but how long can contagious droplets actually stay in the air? Example: walking in a grocery store after someone breathed or sneezed contagious germs.

The latest study from researchers at the National Institutes of Health shows that the virus can hang around in the air for 8 to 14 minutes in an indoor environment after just talking. This is why it is important to wear a mask in grocery stores and in public.